Beloved by fans, the Star Wars original trilogy is just as iconic now as it was when first introduced to the world. Faced with the fate of the galaxy at their hands, each main character made at least one good decision throughout the films, whether it benefited them only or contributed to the greater good.
From's Han's reluctant yet valiant return to the Rebellion, to Vader's epic redemption arc at the trilogy's conclusion, there were many heroic moments that had long-lasting impacts. Each character had a shining choice that helped to define them and their fates.
The Emperor: Getting Rid Of The Senate
Whilst it can be argued that The Emperor's decision to get rid of the Imperial Senate wasn't necessarily a good decision for the heroes of the original trilogy, it did benefit him and his cause greatly, making it is his best choice throughout the films.
After the Death Star plans had been stolen, Palpatine used this to his advantage by aligning the senators of the Senate with the Rebel Alliance, therefore planting enough doubt that they ed the attack and thus compromising the integrity of the institution. The decision quickened his control of the galaxy and was a genius political move.
Lando: Helping To Rescue Han
Lando's betrayal on Bespin in Empire Strikes Back left him with amends to make, and while he may have redeemed himself by rescuing Luke, his best decision came in Return of the Jedi when he accompanied Leia to rescue Han. Considering his betrayal directly resulted in Han being frozen in carbonite, it was the right thing to help in his rescue.
Whilst the mission went awry, Lando's choice to help his old friend showed his newly pledged loyalty to Han and the Rebellion. During the siege on Jabba's palace, Lando went above and beyond to help his friends, cementing him as an ally once more.
C-3PO/ R2-D2: Getting Leia's Message To Obi
Despite C-3PO's insistence that R2 was going the wrong way, he did play a vital part in getting Leia's message to Obi-Wan, making it both his and R2's best decision throughout the original films. As one of the best duos in Star Wars, the two managed to get the hologram to Obi, however begrudgingly.
Whilst the two did initially get sidetracked, R2's devotion to his mission ensured that the message got there in the end. Therefore, R2's loyalty to the Princess was his best choice, as was C-3PO's subsequent decision to stick with his friend, as their delivery of Leia's message to Obi-Wan set up the sequence of events that eventually brought the Empire down.
Chewbacca: Saving C-3PO On Bespin
Chewbacca was consistently a loyal companion throughout Star Wars, as he was always there for his friends in their times of need. One of the best (and nicest) decisions Chewie ever made came in Empire Strike Back, when he rescued C-3PO on Bespin after he had been left behind.
Usually uncaring towards their droid companion, Chewie's rescue of C-3PO showed that at the heart of his character was a kind and caring Wookiee who couldn't leave any member of their crew behind. It was a heartwarming decision and Chewie's best considering how vital C-3PO was to the Rebellion - however annoying he may have been.
Obi-Wan: Distracting Vader
Not only was his fight against Vader in A New Hope one of Obi's best duels, but it was also his best decision. To ensure that Princess Leia would be rescued and that Luke, Leia, and Han would make it off the Death Star, Obi went up against his former padawan to distract him from what was really happening.
Obi-Wan's fight against Vader resulted in a noble sacrifice, whereby he became one with the force as he fulfilled his purpose. Although the decision had sad consequences, it was ultimately his best, as he enabled the others to escape and helped the Rebel Alliance bring the Death Star down, all the while teaching Luke valuable lessons about the Force.
Yoda: Training Luke
However unassuming he may have seemed, Yoda was one of the most intelligent characters in Star Wars, and offered much wisdom, especially to Luke. Despite his self-imposed exile, Yoda agreed to train Luke in the ways of the Jedi, and the decision was his best in the trilogy for how it impacted the hope of the Rebellion.
Yoda acted as an influential figure in the short time he shared with Luke, as he mentored him through his Jedi training and helped him unlock his full potential. The choice to help Luke changed the fate of the Rebellion, and was effectively where the reinstatement of Jedi in the galaxy began.
Vader: Killing The Emperor
Vader's path to redemption was a long one, but by Return of the Jedi he was Anakin Skywalker once more, and his actions in the latter part of the film proved this. His decision to save Luke from The Emperor was his best decision throughout the original trilogy and showed there was still good in him after all.
As watched his former master try to kill his son, Darth Vader made the decision to turn on The Emperor and the Empire to save Luke, ultimately setting up a sequence of actions that helped the Rebellion's victory. The choice to do so may have been fatal for Vader, but it was still a poignant one that showed Luke he had been right to believe that Anakin was still able to be brought back to the light.
Han: Coming Back To Fight With The Rebellion
When Han was first introduced in A New Hope, it was as a self-assured and somewhat selfish smuggler, who cared only about where he could make his credits. After inadvertently getting caught up in the Rebellion's mission and helping Luke and Leia escape from the Death Star, Han pledged that his role in the fight was over.
However, after leaving Yavin 4, Han made the heroic decision to the battle against the Empire along with Chewie, and played a big part in the demise of the first Death Star. The decision was life-altering for Han as it secured him a place in the Rebellion, and went a long way in forging his friendship with Luke and romance with Leia, therefore making it his best.
Leia: Leading The Rebel Alliance
Despite all of the pressure placed upon her, Leia took on the role of leader of the Rebel Alliance with ease and grace. Her decision to the Rebellion and become a leader was her best decision throughout the original trilogy, as not only did she fit the role perfectly and help save the galaxy, but she also got to meet Han and Luke.
Leia proved to be a great leader, thanks in part to her fiery disposition and great political understanding, allowing for her to lead those around her with courage and bravery. She took everything in her stride, and her choices reflected her strength as she helped lead the Rebellion to victory against the Empire.
Luke: Helping Vader Redeem Himself
Luke made many life-altering decisions throughout Star Wars, but his best one in the original trilogy was his continued belief in his father, and how he chose to help him see that he could still be redeemed. Luke's character development in Return of the Jedi saw him mature into a fully-fledged Jedi Knight, and his decision to go to his father at the end proved to be a good choice.
Whilst the decision did put Luke in immediate danger, it allowed him to show Vader that Anakin was still inside of him, which played an essential part in bringing the Empire down. The choice also made for a moving moment between the two, where Anakin confessed that Luke had already saved him, proving that his decision to go to his dad had been a good one on a smaller and larger scale.
